ATF Ditches Local Cop Notices for Gun Maker Applications

2026-19694, Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority

If you store explosives, you now have to tell your local fire department every year and when you stop storing them. This new rule helps keep firefighters and the public safer by making sure they always know where explosives are stored. It starts on October 26, 2026, and you must keep your notices for five years—no extra fees, just more safety!

2026-19693, Implementing the Safe Explosives Act

The Safe Explosives Act final rule affects businesses and people who handle explosives, making reporting and transport rules clearer and simpler. Starting October 26, 2026, license holders must report key personnel changes but no longer need to verify who accepts deliveries for them. These updates cut red tape without adding new costs, keeping everyone safer and smoother in the explosive world.

2026-16981, Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms

The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.

2026-13586, Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract

If you make special firearms for the U.S. Government and your contract ends, you’ll now have a new way to register those guns even if you missed the usual deadline. This change helps manufacturers avoid penalties and keeps everything clear and fair. Comments on this proposal are open until September 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!

2026-09160, Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco

Starting June 8, 2026, new rules crack down harder on illegal cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales. The government lowered the amount that counts as smuggling from 60,000 to just 10,000 cigarettes and now includes smokeless tobacco in the crackdown. Sellers and distributors must keep better records and report more info, making it tougher to dodge the law and protect honest businesses.

2026-09155, Changes to National Firearms Act Tax Remittance Provisions

Starting June 10, 2026, the ATF is updating its rules to match new laws that lower the tax rates on certain National Firearms Act (NFA) guns. This means folks who deal with these firearms will pay less tax when registering or transferring them. The changes keep the rules clear, fair, and up-to-date with the latest law.

Previous: 2026-08911, Update to Proscribed Countries for Import Restrictions

The ATF is updating its list of countries banned from importing defense items and firearms. They’re ditching an old list and switching to the State Department’s list, plus only Russia will remain banned for most firearms and ammo imports. If you’re in the import business, get ready to comment by July 6, 2026, and watch for changes that could affect your shipments and paperwork.

Next: 2026-08914, Importing Training Rounds

The ATF wants to make it clear that some training rounds aren’t considered ammunition under the law, so they won’t be regulated like regular ammo. This change mainly affects importers and sellers of training rounds, but less-lethal ammo still counts as ammunition. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts before the rule might change how these rounds are handled.